Cheapest ways to reset the clock
One transaction of any size restarts the full inactivity period.
Avios never expire while you're active. There's no hard "use it or lose it" date on the Avios themselves — the clock only runs on inactivity. Touch your account once inside the window and the countdown resets in full.
Avios Expiry Rules at a Glance
| Programme |
Inactivity limit |
Do transfers count? |
Elite exemption |
| British Airways Club |
36 months |
Yes — transfers in reset it |
— |
| Iberia Plus |
36 months |
No — earn or redeem only |
— |
| Aer Lingus AerClub |
36 months |
No — earn or spend only |
— |
| Qatar Privilege Club |
36 months |
Yes — transfers in reset it |
Platinum exempt |
| Finnair Plus |
18 months |
No — earn or use only |
Any tier above Basic |
How Avios Expiry Actually Works
- Every Avios programme runs an inactivity clock, not a fixed expiry date — your balance only disappears if the account goes quiet for the full period
- British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Qatar all use a 36-month clock; Finnair Plus is the odd one out at just 18 months
- A single qualifying activity resets the entire balance for another full period — you don't need to touch every Avios
- Watch the transfer trap: Iberia, Aer Lingus and Finnair do not count a plain Avios transfer as activity, so moving points into a dormant account won't save them
- Earning more Avios? Compare the best UK Avios credit cards to keep every account ticking over
Expiry rules verified 2026-07-15 against each programme's published terms.